The Duck Never Blinks

May 1, 2023
Despite the best efforts of the narrator--and readers--the titular duck just won't blink. Like Mo Willems' Pigeon books, this tale plays effectively with narrator-reader dynamics. Speaking directly to children, Latimer opens with, "You see that DUCK over there? I've been watching that duck all day and it hasn't blinked." The narrator proceeds to suggest ideas for getting the duck's eyelids to move: shouting, telling a sad story, sharing a joke. Nothing works, of course, until the narrator heads home for a nap and the duck finally closes its eyes. The delighted squeals of children will ring out as this book is read aloud; little ones are sure to love being in on the fun of trying to make the duck blink--and catching it in the act. The duck is the only thing we see in the book, its eyes wide, almost googly circles with pinprick pupils. It sheds a tear and cracks a smile, and though there's nothing else to look at, the duck is nevertheless captivating. A well-done tight grid across two pages shows the duck in each rectangle, unblinking, unmoving, even as night turns to day and a leaf fluttering past nods at seasons changing. This will undoubtedly be a fun read-aloud for a lap-sitting child or a room full of preschoolers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Simple and effective, sure to elicit glee. (Picture book. 3-5)

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May 15, 2023
An unseen narrator conspiratorially invites readers into a staring contest with a wide-eyed duck in this droll interactive outing. From the opening page of South African creator Latimer’s tale, readers are swept into a comical mission: “You see that duck over there? I’ve been watching that duck all day and it hasn’t blinked... Will you help me make the duck blink?” Having enlisted readers, the narrator tries shouting (“ARMADILLO!/ FIRE ENGINE!/ WOOLAWOOLA!”) as well as momentarily averting their gaze and telling the duck both a sad story and a joke. When nothing works, the narrator’s frustration level—and the text’s chuckle factor—rise (“Blink. Just Once.// PLEASE”). As the narrator storms off, instructing readers to watch the fowl closely, their regard is rewarded—at last—with a satisfying finish. Latimer’s centerpiece image of the simply drawn, unflinching white duck, in some scenes repeated across a grid of tiny panels that show changing light throughout the day, is funny on its own, but subtle changes to the bird’s face throughout—a teardrop, an open beak, a sideways glance—are an especially welcome treat for audiences who are no doubt keeping their own eyes glued to the pages. Ages 3–6. Agent: Paul Moreton, Bell Lomax Moreton.

July 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 In this silly, interactive story, the narrator sees a duck who doesn't blink. Incredulous, the narrator asks the reader to assist as they attempt various strategies to force a blink, such as shouting random phrases (""Pasta sauce!""), telling a sad story, and sharing a joke. Though the duck sheds a tear and cracks a smile, it doesn't blink. The narrator becomes increasingly obsessed as day turns to night and eventually suggests calling a draw, but to no avail. Mini comic panels reveal a sequence in which the duck's eyes stay open as night turns to morning. Even after the narrator concedes defeat, the duck doesn't blink, causing further anguish. However, when the narrator leaves, the duck briefly shuts its eyes. Upon the narrator's return, the duck's eyes are wide open again (after winking to the reader). The digital illustrations feature a pastel color palette and a cartoon aesthetic, with a handwritten font used for emphasis. The simplicity of the illustrations keeps the reader's focus on the duck's unblinking eyes. A perfect prelude to a staring contest.

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